July 19 2005

Hey, it's the new park in Toledo Oregon. Built by Airspeed, strictly for the locals with beginners in mind. Not a so-called "destination park." One high wall about 7-8 feet with a slight bend and cement coping. The rest is pretty much averages out to be waist high or less withthe ocaisonal higher spot. Metal coping of varying sizes. Included in the park is a bowled end that is 3 1/2 feet deep with simulated pool tiles and oververt! (?) Smooth concrete to skate on and funky castle looking forming made on the sides. This is not one of your typical wide open Oregon skate parks. It's got a quirky design, that requires some effort to find the best lines, but can be a lot of fun adapting to. The important part is, all the locals were stoked. Well at least all the kids from nearby Newport were. Almost everyone we talked to was from Newport and said two things: The Newport Park sucks and they love the Toledo park.

Beware of hoards of little kids on bikes (yes, bikes allowed) who can't stay out of their own way, let alone the skaters. Also, the bystander/gawker faction is in full effect and generally hasn't figured out that it's not a good idea to loiter around all the obstacles if not skating. Lot's of adolescent girls and kids with nothing to do, but apparently not interested in actually learning to skate. Should thin out as the novelty wears off. A fun diversion if you are passing nearby, but not something worth spending a lot of time getting to. Street area not really pictured. for better pics see SkateOregon.com.

P.S. Yes. I realize I am lame for not getting better pictures, especially of the outside architecture. I just couldn't get in the mood.